Before we begin looking at all the local music that will happen in 2013 (we do have 361 days for doing just that), Local Beat is taking one final look back at the year's best Wisconsin music - from the vantage point of state bands that made a big impression in 2012.

I reached out to the acts featured in our 10 Bands to Watch list in August, soliciting for their own picks for acts to watch. Here are some favorite albums and songs released by Wisconsin artists in 2012, as selected by musicians in poetic folk group Field Report, avant-garde ensemble Volcano Choir, Americana rock act Trapper Schoepp and the Shades and other noteworthy Wisconsin bands.

"(Wisconsin) album of the year is 'Westbound' by Kalispell (the stage name for Eau Claire singer-songwriter Shane Leonard). A poignant amalgam of new and traditional American music, replete with shades of jazz and minimalism . . . all serving to support evocative songwriting."

- Christopher Porterfield, Field Report

"Formed in the ashes of Giant People alongside members of The New Years Gang, Fire Retarded is the most promising punk band Madison's seen in a while. (Its track) 'The High Horse' is a . . . lo-fi punk banger."

- Bobby Hussy and Heather Sawyer, The Hussy

" 'Tongues of Fire' by Joseph Huber is my favorite album by a Wisconsin artist. . . . Huber has penned some of the most poignant road tunes I've heard. . . . We've been touring hard for the last few months, so the album has really hit home for me."

- Trapper Schoepp, Trapper Schoepp and the Shades

Milwaukee sludge metal group " Northless' (song) 'Tears from Crime' is a real heartbreaker. If you want to be completely wrapped in perfect rhythm, tone and volume . . . go see it."

Back in November, local funk group the Charles Walker Band was in the Tap Milwaukee studios, performing some tracks from its new album "Relentless" ahead of its album release party Nov. 10 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Except that show didn't actually happen: Due to low advance ticket sales, the band had to cancel the gig.

But now "Relentless" is getting the celebration it wholeheartedly deserves, with a special seven-piece band performing at 9 p.m. Jan. 12 at G-Daddy's BBC, 2022 E. North Ave. Cover is $10.